Adjustable ergonomic keyboard

ABSTRACT

An adjustable keyboard having a number of keys ( 205 ) is formed in at least two segments ( 202, 203 ) which are mutually movable relative-to one another using a hinge or joint ( 206 ). Each of the segments ( 202, 203 ) of the keyboard has mounted thereon some of the keys ( 205 ). The adjustable nature of the keyboard reduces stress and discomfort to the user by reducing contortion to the user&#39;s wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint ( 206 ) is in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle ( 100 ), in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint ( 206 ). The surface of at least one of the ball and socket of the joint define a plurality of recesses or a plurality of projections, to provide increased resistance to joint movement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/553,881 filed Nov. 25, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,317,070,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/300,150filed Nov. 18, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,902,167, which is acontinuation in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/712,911filed Feb. 25, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,427,428, which is anon-provisional application of, and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/165,386, filed Mar. 31, 2009; 61/250,402,filed Oct. 9, 2009; and 61/295,093, filed Jan. 14, 2010, each of whichis incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The following invention relates to keyboards, and more particularly to akeyboard formed in mutually pivotable segments, which may be adjustedand locked into different ergonomic positions.

Description of the Related Art

Keyboards of the type used at computer terminals conventionally includea unitary board onto which alphanumeric keys are attached. It is often adisadvantage of such conventional keyboards that the wrists and/or armsand shoulders of a human user must be contorted into a configurationwhich may be stressful, particularly after prolonged use of thekeyboard. This problem is brought about by the fact that, in mostconventional unitary keyboard designs and key arrangements, the hands ofthe user must be turned outwardly by pivoting of the wrists relative tothe forearms, resulting in ulnar deviation. Discomfort to the usercaused by pronation of the wrists is also a problem with theseconventional keyboards. Pronated postures can also transmit stressesinto the neck and shoulders of the user.

It is generally desirable to reduce pronation and ulnar deviation of thewrists in computer keyboards. To that end, U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,081describes adjustable keyboards with at least two segments which aremovable relative to one another via a hinge or joint. By moving thesegments, the orientation of the user's wrists and hands can be adjustedto allow for reduction of ulnar deviation and pronation of the wrists.Successful commercial embodiments generally in accord with such a designinclude the Goldtouch® adjustable keyboard and the Goldtouch Go!™ travelkeyboard, both available from KeyOvation, LLC, Cedar Park, Tex.

Unfortunately, while adjustable ergonomic keyboards such as theaforementioned Goldtouch keyboard (and competing designs) providedesktop users with practical options to reduce pronation and ulnardeviation that may otherwise be associated with use of conventionalunitary detached keyboards, portable computing devices (includinglaptop-, notebook- or netbook-type computers) have few options otherthan connection (e.g., by USB cable) of an auxiliary adjustableergonomic keyboard. For some users, this may not be an attractivesolution.

Accordingly, improved ergonomic keyboard solutions are desired.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed a keyboard having a plurality of keys, the keyboardhaving at least two segments that are mutually movable relative to oneanother, and wherein each segment of the keyboard includes some of thekeys. Typically, the keyboard has at least two mutually pivotablesegments which are attached to one another at a top end of the keyboardsegments by way of a hinge or joint, such that a front edge of thekeyboard may spread apart or “splay” in at least a substantiallyhorizontal plane, to thereby reduce ulnar deviation in the keyboarduser. Advantageously, the hinge or joint is adapted to allow pivoting inboth horizontal and vertical planes such that the two segments of thekeyboard may reside in different planes, so that the center of thekeyboard is raised to reduce pronation and therefore decrease tension inthe wrists and forearms of the user.

The hinge or joint may preferably be composed of a ball and socket jointwhich includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can include abutton, lever or other actuator operable on either of the segments or atthe joint itself, to selectively free and lock the joint. In aparticular embodiment, the locking mechanism may be fashioned using apivoting handle, in the form of a lever, which includes a cam. The cammay be used to force bearing surfaces against a ball joint element, tothereby frictionally retain a ball and socket joint in a selected fixedposition. Upon pivoting of the handle away from the keyboard, the cammay release the ball from the friction fit with the bearing surfaces,thereby allowing the ball to slide in the socket, and therefore allowingthe keyboard segments to be adjusted relative to one another.

Similarly, a spring or other biasing mechanism may apply a locking forceto the ball and socket, which force may be overcome by manual orautomated actuators to temporarily allow mobility in the joint. In aparticular embodiment, a button adjacent the joint allows forsingle-handed release, adjustment, and locking of the joint.

In some implementations, a friction surface of at least one of the balland the socket of the joint define a plurality of recesses orprojections to provide increased resistance to movement of the joint. Inparticular, the recesses and/or projections increase shear resistance torelative movement of the ball and socket.

In some implementations, one of the ball and socket define recesses ordimples and the other of the ball and socket define complimentaryprojections. The recesses and projections cooperate to provide shearresistance to movement of the ball within the socket.

In some implementations, one of the ball and socket define recesses orprojections and the other of the ball and socket comprises a resilientsurface material that at least partially conforms to the recesses orprojections when the ball and socket are under compression.

In some implementations, the ball and socket are moveable betweendiscrete positions in which projections or other surface features on oneof the ball and the socket engage recesses or other complementarysurface features on the other of the ball and socket. For example,projections may be arranged in ridges or grid-like patterns across aportion of the face of the ball with corresponding valleys or recessgrids being formed on a portion of the socket that receives the ball.The recesses can receive the projections in a first locked position andthe projections may be unseated from the recesses to allow repositioningof the ball and socket and the corresponding keyboard segments in a newlocked position. Accordingly, a variety of surface features may be usedon at least one of the ball and socket of a ball-and-socket joint toprovide increased resistance to joint movement. Similarly, a variety ofsurface features may likewise be used on other types of cooperatingsurfaces and in other types of joints.

In some cases, the ball and socket are lockable in discreet positions orin a range of positions via a locking mechanism. In a particular case,the locking mechanism applies pressure to the ball and socket toincrease the friction and/or shear resistance in the joint. In somecases, the ball and socket are held with sufficient pressure to remainfixed under normal typing forces, yet are moveable into variouspositions by overcoming the frictional and/or shear resistance of thejoint, e.g., by forcing the keyboard segments into a desired position.Overcoming the resistance of the joint can include pivoting the firstand second keyboard segments. Alternatively, overcoming the resistanceof the joint can include applying a separating force, e.g., by pullingoutward on each of the two keyboard segments.

In some cases, a support may be provided generally below the ball andsocket joint so as to maintain the central region of the keyboard at araised preselected level, if desired.

Beneficially, a number pad region of the keyboard can be provided whichis pivotable relative to one of the segments such that the number padregion may reside in a plane other than the plane of the segment towhich the number pad is hinged.

Typically, the keyboard is divided into segments that coincide withgenerally accepted keyboard areas used by a particular hand.

The present invention provides a keyboard in which the wrists of theoperator need not be contorted as they would be in use of a conventionalkeyboard.

In order to electrically connect the keys of one segment of the keyboardto the other, a cable or other suitable wired or wireless connection maybe provided between the two segments. Additionally, an infrared orelectromagnetic signal may be used to transmit signals from the keyboardto the computing device without the need for a cable or other physicalconnection.

It has been discovered that an integrated, yet adjustable ergonomickeyboard may be provided using a design that accommodates simultaneoustenting and splaying of first and second keyboard segments that eachinclude on an upper surface thereof respective subsets of keys thattogether define a generally complete alphanumeric keyboard. In someembodiments, a retainer extends from each of the first and secondkeyboard segments to retain the respective keyboard segment with respectto a base support. In general, the base support may include astand-alone desktop platform or be integral (or integrable) with aportable computing device. The respective retainers allow thecorresponding retained keyboard segment to rotate thereabout and totravel laterally with respect to the base support while retained. Ajoint couples the keyboard segments and allows the keyboard segments topivot relative to one another.

Upward travel of the joint generally allows the keyboard segments topitch or “tent”, while at least one of the retainers allows an outeredge of the respective keyboard segment to travel laterally incorrespondence with the tenting. Lateral travel of the joint (typicallyin a direction toward a human user) allows the keyboard segments tosplay while each rotates correspondingly around an axis of a respectiveone of the retainers. Working together, the joint and retainers allowthe keyboard segments to simultaneously tent and splay, while retainedwith respect to the base support. Notwithstanding the forgoing,tenting-only or splaying-only embodiments or configurations may beprovided, if desired.

In some embodiments, the keyboard segments may be supplied in aconfiguration suitable for integration with a stand-alone base or aportable computing device, while in others, the keyboard segments may beintegrated with such a base or portable computing device when supplied.

In general, a variety of attachment configurations are contemplated. Forexample, in some embodiments, retainers are generally fixed torespective keyboard segments and opposing ends of the retainers areallowed to travel in suitably defined channels. For example, in someembodiments, channels are defined in the upper surface of the basesupport, one end of each of the retainers is connected to a respectiveone of the keyboard segments, and respective ones of the channels allowlateral travel of respective ones of the retainers across a portion ofthe upper surface in correspondence with tenting of the keyboardsegments. In some embodiments, suitable channels are instead defined ina lower surface of the keyboard segments. In some such embodiments,respective ones of the channels allow lateral travel of the keyboardsegments with respect to respective ones of the retainers, while anopposing end of each of the retainers is generally fixed to the basesupport. As before, the base support may include a stand-alone desktopplatform or be integral (or integrable) with a portable computingdevice.

In some embodiments, in a stowed position, the keyboard segments areretained at a first, closely spaced distance from the upper surface,whereas in one or more deployed positions, the keyboard segments areretained at a distance from the upper surface that exceeds the firstdistance and accommodates tenting action of the keyboard segments. Insome variations, deployed positions include at least one shifted forwardkeyboard position. In some cases, the retainers may also permit thekeyboard segments to be shifted or slid forward relative to a supportstructure.

In some embodiments, springs concentric with the retainers are used tourge the keyboard segments from the stowed position to at least one ofthe deployed positions. In some embodiments, the keyboard is moveablebetween stowed and deployed positions without the need for a spring orother biasing means. In some embodiments, one or more latches areprovided to retain the keyboard segments in the stowed position.

In some embodiments, a generally planar surface is provided that issuitable for desktop use or for affixing to an upper surface of aportable computing device, wherein the retainers are coupled to thegenerally planar surface. In some cases, the generally planar surface isconfigured as a keyboard attachment platform that itself provides stowedand deployed positions. In some cases, one or more channels (such aspreviously described) are defined in the generally planar surface andone end of each of the retainers is connected to a respective one of thekeyboard segments. The respective channel then allows lateral travel ofrespective ones of the retainers across a portion of the generallyplanar surface in correspondence with tenting of the keyboard segments.In other cases, one or more channels may instead be defined in a lowersurface of the keyboard segments. Respective ones of the channels thenallow lateral travel of the keyboard segments with respect to respectiveones of the retainers, and opposing ends of each of the retainers areattached to the base support.

In some embodiments, retainers each include, at a first end thereof, asurface frictionally engageable to restrict travel of the respectiveretainer in a corresponding channel. In some embodiments, a lockingmechanism is used to urge the frictionally engageable surfaces into aheld position and thereby maintaining the keyboard segments in a tentedposition, a splayed position or a tented and splayed position.Frictionally engageable surfaces of the retainers may exhibit an atleast partially convex profile, particularly if desirable to accommodate(at the corresponding end) at least some rotational freedom of movement.Likewise, the retainers each include at a second end thereof an at leastpartially convex end cap suitable for attaching the correspondingretainer while still allowing rotation freedom of movement incorrespondence with tenting action of the keyboard segments.

In some embodiments, keyboard positional locking may be accomplished bya combination of joint and retainer locking mechanism that may beindividually or jointly operable.

Another aspect of the invention features a portable computing deviceincluding a body portion; a screen containing lid portion hingedlyattached to the body portion. The body portion presents a generallyplanar keyboard attachment surface or base support having channelsdefined therein to receive retainers extending upward toward respectivefirst and second keyboard segments pivotably coupled at a joint. Thechannels are adapted to retain the respective retainers while allowingthe retainers to travel laterally with respect to the keyboardattachment surface in correspondence with tenting and splaying of thekeyboard segments. The keyboard segments each include on an uppersurface thereof a respective subset of keys that together define agenerally complete alphanumeric keyboard.

In some implementations the respective retainers allow the correspondingretained keyboard segment to rotate thereabout and to travel laterallywith respect to the keyboard attachment surface while retained.

Another aspect of the invention features an apparatus including firstand second keyboard segments each including on an upper surface thereofrespective subsets of keys that together define a generally completealphanumeric keyboard. A retainer extends from each of the first andsecond keyboard segments to retain the respective keyboard segment withrespect to a base support. The respective retainers allow thecorresponding retained keyboard segment to rotate thereabout and atleast one of the retained keyboard segments to travel laterally withrespect to the base support. A joint couples the keyboard segments andallows the keyboard segments to pivot relative to one another. The jointand/or the movable retainer can serve to fix the segments in a desiredposition.

In some implementations, upward travel of the joint allows the keyboardsegments to tent, and at least one of the retainers allows an outer edgeof the respective keyboard segment to travel laterally relative to thebase support in correspondence with the tenting. Substantially lateraltravel of the joint allows the keyboard segments to splay while eachrotating correspondingly around a respective one of the retainers.

In some cases, the base support is an upper surface of a portablecomputing device. The base support defines at least one channel and eachof the retainers is connected to a respective one of the keyboardsegments, and wherein the respective channel allows lateral travel ofthe respective retainer across a portion of the base support incorrespondence with tenting of the keyboard segments.

In some implementations, at least one of the retainers includes at afirst end thereof a surface frictionally or matingly engageable with thebase support to restrict travel of the respective retainer in acorresponding channel.

In some implementations, the base support is a stand alone base and theapparatus is configured as a peripheral input device.

In some implementations, first and second data output connectors arepositioned respectively on the first and second keyboard segmentsadjacent the respective retainers. In some cases, both the respectiveretainer and data output connector are positioned substantially in anupper-outer quadrant of the respective keyboard segment.

In a particular implementation, the keyboard segments are configured toallow for at least one of splaying of about 30 degrees and tenting ofabout 30 degrees.

Another aspect of the invention features a portable computing deviceincluding a body portion and a screen containing lid portion hingedlyattached to the body portion. The body portion presents a keyboardattachment surface having at least one channel defined therein toreceive a retainer of one of a respective first and second keyboardsegment pivotably coupled at a joint, the channel adapted to allow theretainer to travel laterally with respect to the keyboard attachmentsurface in correspondence with tenting and splaying of the keyboardsegments.

In some implementations, a respective retainer allows the correspondingretained keyboard segment to rotate thereabout and to travel laterallywith respective to the keyboard attachment surface.

In some implementations, the keyboard is configured to allow for atleast one of splaying of about 30 degrees and tenting of about 30degrees.

In some implementations, closure of the screen containing laptop lidreturns the keyboard to a stowed position. In some implementations, thelaptop lid is prevented from closing while the keyboard is in a deployedposition.

In some implementations, the keyboard is disposed within a recess in thelaptop body such that the edges of the keyboard are disposed adjacent orbelow an upper portion of the laptop body. In some cases, a bezelsurrounds or partially encloses the keyboard retained in the laptopbody.

While the forgoing represents a description of certain illustrativeembodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that theappended claims recite features of the present invention(s), and thatadditional embodiments are contemplated and may fall within the scope ofthe claims. Some aspects of the present invention, and in particularsome exemplary pivoting motions of a ball and socket type joint used toconnect first and second keyboard sections while allowing the tentingand splaying actions described herein will be understood by reference toU.S. Pat. No. 6,984,084 to Goldstein et al., the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2-5 depict various positions of an adjustable ergonomickeyboard integrated in a laptop computer application in accordance withsome implementations of the present invention. FIG. 1A depicts theadjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard in a stowed position. FIG. 1Bdepicts the adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard in a released, butunlocked position. FIG. 2 depicts the adjustable integrated ergonomickeyboard in a tented and locked position. FIG. 3 depicts the adjustableintegrated ergonomic keyboard in a tented, splayed and locked position.FIG. 4 depicts the adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard in a tentedand locked position within a recess in the laptop body. FIG. 5 depictsthe adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard in a tented, splayed andlocked position extending partially beyond a recess in the laptop body.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict retained-end configurations suitable for allowinglateral travel in a channel and/or rotational freedom of movement forretainers employed in some implementations of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a top plan view of channels defined in a surface toaccommodate lateral travel and/or rotational freedom of movement ofretainers in correspondence with stowed, tented and splayed positions ofan adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard in accordance with someimplementations of the present invention.

FIG. 8 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG. 9 illustratepositional relations between keyboard segments, retainers and channelsin stowed position of an adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard inaccord with some implementations and configurations of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG. 11 illustratepositional relations between keyboard segments, retainers and channelsin a released, but unlocked position of an adjustable integratedergonomic keyboard in accord with some implementations andconfigurations of the present invention.

FIG. 12 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG. 13 illustratepositional relations between keyboard segments, retainers and channelsin a tented and locked position of an adjustable integrated ergonomickeyboard in accord with some implementations and configurations of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG. 15 illustratepositional relations between keyboard segments, retainers and channelsin a tented, splayed and locked position of an adjustable integratedergonomic keyboard in accord with some implementations andconfigurations of the present invention.

FIG. 16 depicts an extendible, and upwardly deployed, keyboard basesurface for use in conjunction with some implementations andconfigurations of an adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 depicts the keyboard base surface stowed in accord with someimplementations and configurations of the present invention.

FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21 depict various positions of an adjustableergonomic keyboard integrated with a base (for desktop use) inaccordance with some implementations of the present invention. FIG. 18depicts the adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard in a stowedposition. FIG. 19 depicts the adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboardin a released, but unlocked position. FIG. 20 depicts the adjustableintegrated ergonomic keyboard in a tented and locked position. FIG. 21depicts the adjustable integrated ergonomic keyboard in a tented,splayed and locked position.

FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a keyboard of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic elevational view of the keyboard of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the components of anembodiment of a lockable joint with frictional surface features;

FIG. 24a is a cross-sectional view, through line IIIA-IIIA, of the camof the embodiment of FIG. 24;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the lockablejoint and frictional surface features; and

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the lockablejoint and frictional surface features.

FIG. 27 is a side-perspective view of a lockable joint.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the lockable joint of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an end-on perspective view of a ball portion of the joint ofFIG. 27.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, an adjustable ergonomic keyboard 2 isintegrated with a portable computer or a laptop 4. Keyboard 2 includesfirst and second keyboard segments 6, 8. Keyboard segments 6, 8 areattached to one another at a top portion by a hinge or joint 10 suchthat segments 6, 8 are mutually pivotable. Joint 10 provides multipledegrees of freedom of movement between segments 6, 8. Advantageously,joint 10 is adapted to allow pivoting in both horizontal and verticalplanes of the adjacent coupled keyboard segments 6, 8. Joint 10 may be aball and socket joint, living hinge, or combination of joints orstructures suitable to couple segments 6, 8 with the described degreesof freedom. Joint 10 may be lockable to fix segments 6, 8 in a desiredposition.

With reference to FIG. 1A, keyboard 2 may be inset or retained in afirst stowed position “A” during transport of laptop 4 or during use ofkeyboard 2 in a conventional keyboard position. With reference to FIG.1B, keyboard 2 is moveable from the stored position “A” to a partiallydeployed position “B,” in which segments 6, 8 are spaced with sufficientclearance from the body of laptop 4 to permit pivoting between segments6, 8 in the horizontal and/or vertical planes. For example, keyboard 2may “pop-up” an initial distance from the body of laptop 4 intopartially deployed position “B” to provide such clearance. Such “pop-up”deployment may be provided, for example, by release of a spring loadedstowed locking mechanism. In some implementations, the laptop bodyprovides sufficient clearance for tenting and/or splaying without theneed for initial “pop-up” clearance.

In partially deployed position “B,” adjustable integrated ergonomickeyboard 2 is in an unlocked position to be freely moved to a desiredoperating position. In alternative implementations, the body of laptop 4may be configured to allow pivoting of segments 6, 8 directly from astored position, for example, by providing sufficient clearance fromlaptop body contours surrounding keyboard 2.

Note that in some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 2-3,surface contours of the laptop body may accommodate motion betweenstored and deployed positions. Such surface contours may include, forexample, tapered or rounded undercuts at the periphery of keyboard 2and/or recesses in the laptop body adjacent the periphery of keyboard 2.

In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, it may beadvantageous for keyboard 2 (or the laptop body) to be adapted to allowinitial tenting motion to then provide additional clearance for splayingmotion. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, keyboard 2 is initiallymovable from a stowed inset position within a recess in the laptop bodyto a tented position C within the recess. With reference to FIG. 5,keyboard 2 is then movable from tented position C to a tented andsplayed position D. In the tented and splayed position D, a portion ofthe keyboard extends beyond the recess in the laptop body over a portionof the laptop body that is adjacent the keyboard when in the stowedposition. Thus, keyboard 2 may be movable to partially extend over abezel, laptop cover or other structure provided along an outer edge ofkeyboard 2. In some cases, a portion of the keyboard may extend under anadjacent bezel or cover portion in the stowed position, for example, toaid in locking the keyboard in the stowed position.

In some cases, surface contours of a portion of the laptop body cover orbezel adjacent keyboard 2 may include, for example, tapered or roundedcontours at the periphery of keyboard 2 to provide clearance forsplaying of the keyboard segments. As previously discussed, verticalkeyboard segment movement may also be used to provide clearance forsplaying of the keyboard segments.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, segments 6, 8 are pivotable within avertical plane so that the center of keyboard 2 is elevated or pitchedto a “tented” position “C.” Tented position “C” reduces pronation anddecreases tension in the wrists and forearms of the user. Joint 10 canbe a ball and socket joint providing a range of movement in both thevertical and horizontal planes. In a particular implementation, joint 10allows tenting of at least about thirty degrees between base support 14and segments 6, 8. Similarly, joint 10 allows splaying of about thirtydegrees between segments 6, 8.

Keyboard 2 with joint 10 preferably allows users to select a desiredcombination of tenting and splaying positions within a fullergonomically acceptable range. In some implementations, users mayalternatively select an operational keyboard position from a combinationof available discrete vertical and horizontal positions. Suchpositioning may be achieved using multiple joints providing discretedegrees of freedom. Further discrete positioning may be provided via acombination of ratcheting joints, or the like. Alternatively, joint maybe a dimpled ball in a complementary socket arranged to provide variablepositioning of segments 6, 8 in any desired combination of tented andsplayed positions without regard to discrete positions or more limiteddegrees of freedom. Accordingly, joint 10 may be any coupling suitableto couple segments 6, 8 and to provide sufficient range of movement fortenting and splaying of segments 6, 8.

With reference to FIG. 3, segments 6, 8 are pivotable such that a frontedge of keyboard 2 may spread apart in at least a substantiallyhorizontal plane to a “splayed” position “D”. The splayed position “D”reduces ulnar deviation in the keyboard user. In the illustratedconfiguration, keyboard 2 is both tented and splayed, although in someembodiments, keyboard segments 6, 8 may be in a purely splayed or purelytented position.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, keyboard segments 6, 8 are movablysecured by retainers 12 to a base support 14 on an upper surface oflaptop 4. Base support 14 defines one or more retention channelsarranged to receive respective retainers 12 therein. Retainers 12 andchannels 16 cooperate to allow movement of segments 6, 8 from stowedposition “A” to tented position “C” and splayed position “D.”

“Retainer” as used herein refers to any structure suitable to securekeyboard segment 6, 8, to base support 14. Retainer 12 may be fixed ormoveable with one or more degrees of freedom relative to either ofsegments 6, 8 or base support 14 and still suitably retain segments 6,8. Retainers prevent separation of segments 6, 8 from base support 14and may allow segments 6, 8 while retained to base support 14.

In some illustrated embodiments, retainers 12 define a vertical orcolumnar extent. In many embodiments, not separately illustrated,however, retainers 12 have a minimal vertical extent and may becharacterized by low profile retainer features arranged to attachsegments 6, 8 to base support 14. For example, an hourglass or doublelobe type retainer with minimal distance between the lobes may be usedin complementary sockets and channels on keyboard segments 6, 8 and basesupport 14. Similarly, a head of retainer 12 may be received withinchannel 16 and present a protrusion connectable to keyboard segments 6,8 via snap-fit or other suitable connection. Accordingly, retainers 12are not limited to columnar, elongated, or other illustrated ordescribed configurations and may be any shape or construction suitableto retain segments 6, 8 to base support 14.

While base support 14 is depicted as defining two channels 16, eachcorresponding to one of segments 6, 8, it is understood that a singlechannel 16 in base support 14 can provide sufficient lateral movementfor tenting of segments 6, 8. Accordingly, descriptions or depictions ofmultiple channels may be understood to also generally apply toimplementations having but a single channel. In some cases, multiplechannels may provide design advantages as to visual symmetry of keyboard2 relative to the body of laptop 4 in either a stowed position oroperational position. In some cases, a single channel design may provideimproved ease of use by allowing a user to manipulate joint 10 with onehand and manually lock retainer 12 within a single channel 16.

“Channel” as used herein refers to a structure suitable to restrainretainer 12 in at least one direction, while permitting movement ofretainer 12 in another direction. For example, channel 16 may be a slot,groove, guide or track in the conventional sense of the word, but is notso limited. Channel 16 may be, for example a socket which restrainsretainer 12 from separation therefrom while permitting pivoting orrotational movement therein.

With reference now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, channel 16, 16′ is defined inbase support 14 to receive retainer 12, 12′ and allow for lateral traveland/or rotational freedom of movement of retainers 12, 12′. Base support14 may be a chassis surface or body panel surface of laptop 4, or anystructure suitable to serve as the support structure or foundation forsegments 6, 8 of keyboard 2 during deployment and use. Thus, while basesupport is depicted as a generally planar upper surface of laptop 4,lateral laptop surfaces and other structures may also be suitable. Forexample, base support 14 may be a panel or frame structure insertableinto a recess defined in the body of laptop 4. Alternatively, basesupport 14 may be a panel or frame structure constructed as a standalone base such that keyboard 2 may instead be used as a stand aloneperipheral input device, e.g., for connection to a desktop computer.

Base support 14 has defined therein, one or more channels 16, 16′constructed to receive retainer 12, 12′, which is attached to acorresponding keyboard segment 6, 8. Channel 16, 16′ is constructed torestrain a retainer head 18, 18′ in a vertical plane and thereby retainsegment 6 or 8 to base support 14. Channel 16, 16′ is also constructedto provide clearance for retainer 12, 12′ to spin therein as keyboardsegments 6, 8 are splayed and for retainer 12, 12′ to slide therein assegments 6, 8 are tented. In some cases, only a fraction of an inch oflateral sliding clearance is sufficient to allow for full movement ofsegments 6, 8 into tented position “C.”

Similarly, rotation of retainer 12, 12′ within channel 16, 16′ may berestricted to a discrete range suitable to allow for full movement ofsegments 6, 8 into splayed position “D.” While retainer heads 18 and 18′are depicted as being substantially symmetrical shapes, in someimplementations, retainer head 18 may define an eccentric shape, e.g., acammed shape so as to impact upon sidewalls of channel 16 at one or bothextremes of a predetermined range of rotation. In some implementations,an eccentric or cammed retainer head 18 configuration may beadvantageous in locking or restricting retainer 12 in a fixed positionwithin channel 16. For example, a manual or powered actuator may urgeretainer head 18 to impact upon the sidewalls of channel 16.Accordingly, retainer head 18, 18′ may be constructed to provide freelateral movement and/or rotation within channel 16, 16′ in a firstorientation and to restrict lateral movement and/or rotation in a secondorientation.

With reference to FIG. 7, channel 16″ may provide various discretepositions or a positional path or network for retainer 12 to achieve arange of tenting and splaying positions of keyboard 2. Accordingly,channel 16 need not be limited to a single course or to a linear oruniform configuration, but may be curved, inclined, tapered, or thelike. Similarly, retainer 12 may be of any number of symmetrical orasymmetrical shapes and may include resilient or engaging features tofacilitate positional locking. For example, a resilient retainer head orconvex retainer head may provide frictional engagement with a taperedupper surface of channel 16. Alternatively, a serrated retainer headsurface may positively engage complimentary recesses on a channelsurface. Accordingly, any number of frictional, mating or positivelyengaging features may be used to restrict movement of retainers 12within channel 16.

With reference to FIG. 8 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG. 9,keyboard segments 6, 8 are in a stowed position closely spaced to basesupport 14, with retainers 12 positioned accordingly within channels 16.While a particular columnar retainer is used to illustrate onefrictionally engageable configuration, the invention is not so limited,and any number of suitable retainer configurations, including lowprofile retainers, may be used. Keyboard 2 may be held in the stowedposition by retainers 12 or, alternatively, by a separate latchingmechanism. Suitable latching mechanism may provide releasableconnections via magnetic forces, snap-fit, positive engagement ofcomplementary features, and the like.

With reference to FIG. 9, in some implementations, keyboard segment 6 or8 may be biased towards a deployed position. For example, spring 20 mayurge keyboard segment 6 away from base support 14 into a partiallydeployed position. Spring 20 may be arranged concentric to retainer 12or may be alternatively suitably arranged between segment 6 and basesupport 14.

In some implementations, retainer head 18 may be biased by spring 20towards a top or bottom surface of channel 16 to restrict movement ofretainer 12 within the channel. For example, a spring may restrictmovement of retainer 12 in a first default position and may be overcomeby manual or powered actuation to release retainer 12 within channel 16.Alternatively, a spring may be used to bias retainer 12 towards a freelymovable position and may be overcome by manual or powered actuation torestrict movement of retainer 12 within channel 16. Spring 20 may alsoserve as a clutching mechanism so that if too much pressure is exertedon the keyboard segments 6, 8, spring 20 allows for slippage betweenretainer 12 and channel 16. Suitable springs may include any suitablemechanical spring, resilient elastomeric material or other known biasingmechanism. In some cases, mechanical or electrical actuators may serveto urge retainers 12 and/or segments 6 or 8 towards deployed and/orstowed positions. In some implementations, the keyboard is moveablebetween stowed and deployed positions without the need for springs,biasing means, or actuators. For example, such movement may beaccomplished purely manually.

With reference to FIG. 10 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG.11, keyboard segments 6, 8, are in a partially deployed position withretainers 12 being moveable within channels 16. Retainers 12 are shownin a released and unlocked position, which permits adjustment ofergonomic keyboard 2 by a user to a desired tented and splayed position.

With reference to FIG. 12 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG.13, keyboard segments 6, 8 are held in tented position “C” via retainers12, which are restricted laterally within channels 16. Movement betweenthe partially deployed position of FIG. 10 and tented position “C” isaccomplished by inward lateral movement of one or more of retainers 12within channels 16. Upon movement of segments 6, 8 from the released,partially deployed position to tented position “C,” the user may engagea locking mechanism 22 to restrict outward lateral movement of one ormore of retainers 12 within channels 16.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 13, locking mechanism 22 is depicted as alevered cam acting upon retainer 12. In a first position shown in FIG.11, locking mechanism 22 is actuated to overcome spring 20 and distanceretainer head 18 from a top frictional surface of channel 16. In asecond position shown in FIG. 13, locking mechanism 22 is retractedsomewhat to permit spring 20 to again urge retainer head 18 into contactwith frictional contact or mating contact with a surface of channel 16.Frictional contact may be provided between any portion of retainer 12and channel 16. “Mating contact” refers to positive engagement ofcooperative features to provide shear resistance to movement.

The pivotable or levered cammed mechanism is but one example of lockingmechanism 22. Any number of manually actuatable mechanisms such aslevers, push buttons, dials, sliders, cables, and the like may be usedto selectively restrict movement of retainers 12 and/or joint 10 andthereby movement of segments 6, 8 relative to base support 14. Poweredactuators such as solenoids, worm drives, gear trains or the like maylikewise be used to selectively restrict movement of retainers 12 and/orjoint 10. It will be understood that locking mechanism 22 may bearranged on either keyboard 2 or base support 14 to suitably restrictretainer 12 within channel 16. Similarly, while retainers 12 aregenerally depicted as extending from keyboard 2 to be received withinchannels 16 formed in base support 14, retainers 12 may extend, insteadfrom base support 14 to be received in channels 16 formed in keyboard 2.

Accordingly, while some embodiments are depicted as including a lockingmechanism 22 and spring 20 associated with retainers 12, it will beunderstood that other embodiments are not so limited. For example, thesprings may be omitted or the locking mechanisms may be provided insteadat joint 10. Similarly, joint 10 may be self locking, e.g., due to jointfriction or other suitable resistance.

In some implementations, a locking mechanism structure includessubstantially alignable apertures defined in adjacent locking plates,wherein one or both of the locking plates is moveable to substantiallymisalign the apertures to bind upon and thereby lock a retainer disposedtherein. In some cases, relative positioning of the locking platesdetermines a retainer positioning and thereby a keyboard deployedposition.

In some implementations, the retainer includes a ball which may beseated in a recess in a stowed position. The retainer ball may beunseated from the recess to move the segments into a deployed position.For example, a splay actuator and/or tenting actuator, e.g., lever orcable, causes the retainer ball to slide within a channel formed on oneof the base support and a keyboard segment. A curved channel ornon-planar channel may serve to provide both tenting and splayingmotions.

In some implementations, actuators may act on the joint 10 withretainers 12 tracking or responsive to movement of joint 10.

In some implementations, thumbwheels or other rotary actuator serve tomove the keyboard segments between stowed and deployed positions. Forexample, the retainers may be an axle of a wheel restrained within achannel. Scrolling the wheel along the channel causes tenting and/orsplaying of the keyboard segments.

Alternatively, retainers 12 can include threaded knobs which may berotated to selectively permit and prevent keyboard segment movement. Forexample, one or more retainer knobs may be loosened to adjust one orboth of the splay and pitch of the keyboard segments.

Still in some implementations, underlying supports, e.g., pivotingbraces or columns, may be used to maintain the keyboard segments in adesired deployed position. In a particular implementation, theunderlying support is provided at the joint between the keyboardsegments.

In some implementations, segments 6, 8 may be additionally oralternatively maintained in a tented and/or splayed position viarestriction of joint 10 itself. As previously disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,984,081, joint 10 may be compressed into a frictionally restrictedstate or may be otherwise restricted in a desired position. For example,as described more fully with reference to FIGS. 22-26, an elastomericsurface on one of a ball surface and a complementary socket surface ofjoint 10 may be deformed in response to localized compression from adimpled complementary surface. Alternatively, complementary projectionsand/or dimples on opposed joint surfaces may be held in matingengagement via interference fit, a spring, latch or other suitablelocking mechanism.

With reference to FIG. 14 and the accompanying exploded detail of FIG.15, keyboard segments 6, 8, are held in splayed position “D.” Retainers12 permit movement from a partially deployed position or even from atented position to splayed position “D” via rotation of retainers 12within channels 16. Splaying of segments 6, 8 involves a rotationmovement as well as translational movement of retainer 12. Splaying ofsegments 6, 8 about joint 10 causes inward movement of retainers 12 asjoint 10 travels forward towards the user. Splaying further causesrotation of or about retainer 12 as outer lower quadrants of keyboardsegments 6, 8 swing outward in response to forward movement of joint 10.

In some implementations, locking mechanism 22 is constructed to resistboth translation and rotation of retainers 12 within channels 16. Insome implementations, separate locking mechanisms may be provided toresist each movement separately. For example, in some implementations,constant resistance to rotation of retainer 12 may be provided,sufficient to resist forward or rearward movement of joint 10 duringnormal typing operations, yet subject to direct manual manipulation ofjoint 10 between deployed and stowed positions. Such limited slip orclutched arrangements may be achieved by frictional engagement or otherengagement of retainer head 12 and channel 16 under the force of spring20 or other suitable mechanism. Alternatively, sufficient rotationalresistance may be provided within joint 10 itself. For example, joint 10may be a ball and socket joint with sufficient interference fit topermit movement only under a predetermined degree of manual force.Alternatively, joint 10 may be selectively resistant, for example, viarelease of a compression fit within joint 10 via a manual actuator.

It may be further advantageous to provide for slippage or release of thelocking mechanism upon application of a predetermined downward pressure,for example during abrupt closure upon keyboard 2 of a laptop lidportion. In some implementations, closure of the laptop lid releases alocking mechanism to return keyboard 2 to a stowed position.Alternatively, in some implementations, the laptop lid is prevented fromclosing or may receive additional resistance to closure while keyboard 2is deployed. In some cases, cables, levers, push pins, or other suitablemechanical or electrical actuator may be associated with the laptop lidor lid hinge to act on a keyboard locking mechanism during laptop lidclosure. Such actuators may similarly be used to urge keyboard 2 into adeployed position during opening of the laptop lid. For example, a cablemay be drawn by laptop lid movement to urge retainers towards one of adeployed or stowed position.

With reference to FIG. 16, an upwardly deployable keyboard base 24serves to elevate at least a portion of keyboard 2 above base support14′. If supporting linkage 26 is retained at one end in channel 16″formed in base support 14′. Keyboard base 24 may be stowed as shown inFIG. 17, by collapsing of linkages 26 as springs 28 are compressedwithin channels 16″.

In some laptop integrated embodiments, segments 6, 8 are independentlyelectrically connected in parallel to laptop 4. In other embodiments,segments 6, 8 are electrically coupled in series to provide a singleoutput to laptop 4. Accordingly, segments 6, 8 may be electricallyconnected to or integrated with laptop 4 in any suitable manner. In someembodiments, it may be advantageous or desirable for the electricalconnections, e.g., data cables, to be located near retainers 12 tominimize the cable length or cable movement needed to accommodatetenting and/or splaying of keyboard segments 6, 8.

With reference to FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21, an adjustable ergonomickeyboard 102 includes keyboard segments 106 and 108 disposed on a standalone base support 114. Keyboard 102 is configured as a peripheral datainput device for use, for example, with a desktop computer 104. Keyboardsegments 106, 108 are coupled by a joint/10 and secured to base support114 by retainers 112. As previously described, joint/10 allows multipledegrees of freedom for tenting and splaying of keyboard 102.

With reference to FIG. 18, adjustable ergonomic keyboard 102 may bestored in a stowed position “A.” In stowed position “A,” keyboardsegments 106, 108 are positioned close to base support 114 in asubstantially planar, side-by-side arrangement. Of course, some usersmay elect to use keyboard 102 in the stored position in somecircumstances.

Base support 114 can be configured with a minimum thickness and masssufficient to support segments 106, 108. Such thin, lightweight designsmay be advantageous or desirable for portability or stylisticconsiderations. For example, a lightweight aluminum or plastic panel orframework may provide a suitable base support 114 for segments 106, 108.In some desktop applications, a more substantial base may beadvantageous or desirable for some users.

Base support 114 need not be coextensive with keyboard segments 106, 108to provide sufficient support. For example, base support 114 may extendonly under a portion of segments 106, 108 between retainers 112. In someimplementations, segments 106, 108 may include a lower protective panelor cover and may be arranged to directly contact an upper surface of adesk with keyboard 102 in the splayed and/or tented positions.Accordingly, in some implementations, base support 114 may serve tomaintain a relative position of retainers 112, without regard to contactbetween base support and any underlying surface.

Keyboard 102, including base support 114, may include any number of dataports or peripheral devices. For example, pointing devices or massstorage devices may be connected to keyboard 102 via USB port, PS2 portor other data ports. Similarly, any suitable connectivity orcommunication facilities, for example wireless communication viaBluetooth® technology, RF, IR, and the like may be used to connectkeyboard 102 to computer 104. Such data ports and communicationshardware may be housed on base support 114. For example, base support114 may include a housing portion along an upper edge portion for anynecessary hardware, batteries, data ports and the like.

Keyboard segments 106, 108 may be electrically coupled such that data isoutput from the segment pair from a single data port. For example, aflexible data cable or other suitable contact or electrical connectormay be provided between segments 106, 108 near joint 10. Additionally,an infrared, radio or other electromagnetic or optical signal may beused to transmit signals from the keyboard to the computing devicewithout the need for a cable or other physical connection.

Alternatively, segments 106, 108 may each include a separate data outputconnection. For example, each of keyboard segments 106, 108 may betreated, effectively, as a separate peripheral device. For example, asmall USB hub may be provided on base support 114 to receive input fromseparate USB connectors on the respective segments 106, 108 and toprovide a single output to computer 104. It may be advantageous toposition the data output connections near retainers 112 to minimize thelength and movement of the data output connections between keyboardsegment positions. Such a connection may be configured to accommodatethe fraction of an inch of lateral retainer travel and a predeterminedarc of keyboard segment travel for a range of tented and splayedpositions. Alternatively, electrical connections and data outputs mayreside entirely on segments 106, 108 without electrical connection tobase support 114. USB is but one example of wired connectivity and anynumber of other standards may be used to connect keyboard 102 as aperipheral or integrated device. In some cases, base support 114supports segments 106, 108 without any electrical connection thereto. Inother case, base support 114 carries data cables or other electricalcommunication devices.

With reference to FIG. 19, keyboard 102 is in a released, unlocked orpartially deployed position “B.” In partially deployed position “B”keyboard segments 106, 108 are moveable to a desired tented or splayedposition. Movement from stowed position “A” to partially deployedposition “B” may include a simple unlocking action and need not includesubstantial relative movement or separation of keyboard segments 106,108 from base support 114. In some cases, release of segments 106, 108from the stowed position provides sufficient separation of segments 106,108 from base support 114 to permit insertion of a user's fingerstherebetween to manipulate segments 106, 108 into the positions shown inFIGS. 20-21. In some implementations, keyboard segments 106, 108 may bebiased towards at least one of a partially splayed position and apartially tented position such that releasing segments 106, 108 fromstowed position “A” results in a partially splayed and/or partiallytented position.

With reference to FIG. 20, keyboard segments 106, 108 are in a tentedposition “C.” Tented position “C” is achieved by upward movement ofjoint 110 and inward movement of at least one of retainers 12 alongchannel 116 formed in base support 114.

With reference to FIG. 21, keyboard segments 106, 108 are in a splayedand tented position. Splayed position “D” is achieved by forwardmovement of joint 110, movement of at least one of retainers 12 alongchannel 116 formed in base support 114 and rotation of segments 106, 108about respective retainers 112. Keyboard segments 106, 108 may be lockedto resist movement from positions “C” and “D.” Advantageously, in somestand alone or desktop implementations, keyboard 2 may be more securelyfixed in positions “C” and “D” since there will be less need forrepeated keyboard setup as with portable laptop implementations.Similarly, resistance of keyboard 102 to flattening of tented position“C” may be greater absent other considerations present in a portablelaptop implementation.

Keyboard segments 106, 108 may include friction pads at points ofcontact with base support 114 or with an underlying surface to provideadditional resistance to movement during typing. For example, rubberfoot pads, or the like, may be provided at the lower outermostextremities of segments 106, 108 to frictionally engage base support 114or a desk and resist outward movement of segments 106, 108 underdownward pressure, e.g., during typing.

In some implementations, resistance to flattening of tented segments106, 108 may be provided by one locking mechanism and resistance tocounter-rotation of splayed segments by another mechanism. For example,resistance to flattening may be provided by any suitable tensilestructure between retainers 112, e.g., a rigid or semi-rigid base oreven a cable. Resistance to counter-rotation of splayed segments may beprovided by resistance at one or more of retainers 112 and joint 110. Ina particular implementation, resistance to rotation of segments 106, 108is provided at each of retainers 112 and joint 110, with release ofresistance at a selected one of retainers 112 or joint 110 allowing formanual rotation of segments 106, 108. In some implementations,sufficient resistance may be provided by joint 10 or 110 alone tomaintain position “C” and/or “D.”

In some implementations, base support 114 may include surface featuresconfigured to provide discrete positioning or incremental resistancepoints. For example, a series of depressions or ridges may be providedon base support 14 or 114 to more positively engage correspondingcontact surfaces of segments 106, 108.

In some implementations, a web may be provided between segments 106, 108to provide an appearance of central keyboard continuity in splayedposition “D”. Such a web may be slidably deployed from the undersidesegments 106, 108 and may contribute resistance to movement.

In some implementations, base support 14, 114 is adjustable tofacilitate movement of keyboard segments to positions “C” or “D.” Forexample, base support may be collapsible to move retainers 112 closertogether to achieve tented position “C.”

In each case, it will be understood that the configuration of the keyson segments 6, 8, 106, 108 may be in any suitable form which allowsaccess to the appropriate hand corresponding to segments 6, 8, 106, 108,and need not be the configuration shown in FIG. 1.

Similarly, segments 6, 9, 106, 108 may include virtual keys, e.g., keysdisplayed on a touch screen panel, membrane display, or other suitabledisplay besides a traditional vertically operable contact type key. Forexample, as an alternative to conventional mechanical switches, keyboardinputs may include pressure sensors, static sensors, position sensors,capacitance sensors, or other suitable contact or non-contact sensors.For example, segments 6, 9, 106, 108 may simply be projection surfacesfor use with a laser and infrared projected virtual keyboard. In someembodiments, segments 6, 8, 106, 108 a part of a membrane keyboard,dome-switch keyboard, scissor-switch keyboard, capacitive keyboard,mechanical-switch keyboard, buckling-spring keyboard, hall-effectkeyboard, or laser keyboard. Accordingly, any suitable manual data entrysystem may be presented on segments 6, 9, 106, 108 to be arranged in atented and/or splayed position by a user.

It should be appreciated that splaying of the segments 6, 8, 106, 108acts to prevent or reduce ulnar deviation of the user's hands andwrists, while pitching or “tenting” movement of segments 6, 8, 106, 108acts to prevent or reduce pronation of the user's wrists.

In some implementations, an optional support (not shown) may be providedgenerally below the hinge or joint 10, 110 so as to maintain the centralregion of the keyboard 2, 102 at a raised preselected level, if desired.

Operation and manipulation of the keyboard 2, 102 of the presentinvention will now be described. When it is desired to set a newposition of keyboard segments 6, 8, 106, 108 relative to one another,retainers 12, 112 and or joints 10, 110 are allowed to move, e.g.,translate and/or rotate, to accommodate splayed and/or tented keyboardpositions. After a desired orientation of the segments 6, 8, 106, 108relative to one another is achieved, the segments are held in positionby resistance at at least one of retainers 12, 112 and/or joints 10,110. In the locked position, keyboard 102 remains substantially asarranged under normal typing conditions.

With reference to FIG. 22, keyboard 1 includes separate segments 202,203, and 204, each having a plurality of keys 205. It is to beunderstood that the configuration of the keys on segments 202, 203, and204, may be in any suitable form which allows access to the appropriatehand corresponding to segments 202, 203, and 204, and need not be theconfiguration shown in FIG. 22.

Segments 202 and 203 of keyboard 201 are usually attached by a hinge orjoint 206, which may provide one or more degrees of freedom of relativemovement between segments 202 and 203. Adjustment and locking of hingeor joint 206 are described in more detail below with regard to alever-actuated locking joint embodiment. As described in more detailbelow, a handle 100, in the form of a lever, forms a portion of akeyboard locking mechanism. The handle 100 may be pivoted from a lockedposition, which fixes the position of the hinge or joint 206, to anunlocked position 101 (dashed lines), which allows pivoting movement ofthe segments 202, 203 relative to one another in one or more planes. Thesegment 202 or 203 containing the handle 100 may include an indentation110 near the end of the handle 100 to allow easier access to, andpivoting of, the handle 100 by the user.

Segment 204 of keyboard 201, if provided, has mounted thereon numericalkeys 205 and is attached to segment 203 by hinge or joint 207. Hinge orjoint 207 may extend along line 208 illustrated in FIG. 22 so as toprovide at least one degree of relative movement between segments 203and 204. Alternatively, a hinge or joint of the type described below maybe employed between segments 202 and 203 and may be located at either anupper or lower end of line 208 in FIG. 22. Segment 204 is an optionalsegment, and the keyboard 201 may be formed of only segments 202 and203.

It should be appreciated that segments 202 and 203 of keyboard 1 maypivot with respect to one another while each remaining in a single plane(i.e., the plane of FIG. 22), or in multiple planes (i.e., the planes ofFIGS. 22 and 23). Movement of the segments 202, 203 in the plane of FIG.22 acts to prevent or reduce ulnar deviation of the user's hands andwrists, while movement of the segments 202, 203 in the plane of FIG. 23acts to prevent or reduce pronation of the user's wrists. As depicted inFIG. 23, a center region of keyboard 201 is raised above the level of adesk 214 on which the keyboard 201 is supported. An optional support(not shown) may be provided generally below the hinge or joint 206 so asto maintain the central region of the keyboard 201 at a raisedpreselected level, if needed.

Should an operator of the keyboard 201 not be comfortable with ahinged-apart orientation of the keyboard 201, the keyboard 201 maysimply be returned to a conventional configuration.

In order to electrically connect the keys of one segment (e.g. segment202) to the other (e.g. segment 203), a cable 210 or any suitablecontact may be provided between the two segments. Additionally, aninfrared or other electromagnetic signal may be used to transmit signalsfrom the keyboard to the computing device without the need for a cableor other physical connection.

FIG. 24 shows an exploded view of the components of a first embodimentof a locking mechanism and hinge or joint of the present invention. Ahandle 100, in the form of a lever, includes a handle section 101 at oneend and a cam 109 at another end. Cam 109 includes a cam surface 103. Oneither side of cam 109 are flanges 111, each of which defines a hole105. A cam hole 107 passes through cam 109 and is aligned with holes105. Handle 100 is preferably made of an inexpensive, but relativelyrigid, material such as an engineering plastic such as polyketon, soldunder the trade name CARILON.

A retaining pin 200 passes through holes 105 and the cam hole 107, toretain handle 100 on socket element 700. Pin 200 is preferablymanufactured of an inexpensive and somewhat resilient material, such asan engineering plastic, for example a glass-filled polyamide or nylon,sold under the trade name GRIVORY GV-5H, and has at least one end whichis slightly enlarged, so as to allow a press or interference fit betweenthe pin 200 and holes 105, to thereby hold handle 100 and socket element700 together. Flanges 701 on socket element 700 fit slidingly withinslots 113 between flanges 111 and cam 109, such that pin 200 fitsthrough holes 105, holes 702 on flanges 701, and the cam hole 107,thereby allowing pivoting of handle 100 relative to socket element 700about the axis of pin 200.

A camming pin 300 is retained adjacent to the cam 109. Camming pin 300includes a camming surface 301 and a pin 302 projecting away fromcamming surface 301. Pin 302 fits through holes 401 and 501 in biasingelement 400 and bearing element 500, respectively, such that bearingelement 500, biasing element 400 and camming pin 300 are connected andaligned together. Camming pin 300 is preferably made of an inexpensive,but relatively rigid, material such as an acetyl co-polymer or nylon,sold under the trade name DURACON-90.

A biasing element 400 is retained adjacent to the locking pin 300. Thebiasing element is preferably disc-shaped, and defines a hole 401passing through its center. Biasing element 400 is preferably made of arelatively resilient material, such as a urethane rubber, or could bemade of a spring steel component, so that it acts as a spring to providea bias against the action of cam 109 during locking and unlocking. Thebiasing element 400 serves to reduce the need for exacting tolerances inthe locking mechanism of the present invention.

The biasing element 400 can serve as a clutching mechanism so that iftoo much pressure is exerted on the keyboard segments 202, 203, theprovision of the biasing element 400 allows for slippage between theball element 600 and socket element 700 described below.

In some cases, the locking mechanism can be configured to providesufficient resistance to movement under normal typing forces whileyielding to direct repositioning forces, e.g., the manipulation of thetwo keyboard segments.

A bearing element 500 is retained adjacent to the biasing element 400.On the end of bearing element 500 adjacent to the biasing element 400,the bearing element 500 includes a hole 501, through which the end ofpin 302 passes. The opposite end of bearing element 500 includes abearing surface 502 which is preferably hemispherical in shape. Thebearing element 500 is mounted within socket element 700 for slidingmovement relative to both the keyboard segments 202, 203. The bearingelement 500 is preferably made of a relatively inexpensive and rigidmaterial, such as an acetyl copolymer, sold under the trade name DURACONM-90.

A ball element 600 is mounted adjacent to the bearing element 500. Aball 601 on ball element 600 fits within, and is slidably mountedagainst, bearing surface 502. A shaft 602 connects ball 601 to aretaining portion 603 of ball element 600. Retaining portion 603 mayinclude one or more holes 604, which are used to affix ball element 600to one of the keyboard segments 202, 203 or 204, via suitable attachmentmechanisms such as screws or bolts. The ball element 600, although shownas spherical in the drawings, could alternatively be hemispherical inshape. The ball element 600 is preferably made of a relativelyinexpensive and rigid material, such as a glass or mineral filled acetylcopolymer, or alternatively could be fabricated of stainless steel. Insome cases, ball element 600 includes a pliable material. In analternative embodiment of the invention, the cam surface 103 may providedirect contact with the ball element 600, thereby eliminating the needfor the bearing element 500 and biasing element 400.

Ball 601 fits within a socket element 700, such that the shaft 602 andretaining portion 603 project out of an opening 706 in socket element700. An interior bearing surface of socket element 700, at socket end705, is hemispherical in shape. Ball 601 on ball element 600 fitswithin, and is slidably mounted against, the bearing surface withinsocket end 705. Socket element 700 includes flanges 701, which arespaced and shaped so as to slidably fit within slots 113 on handle 100.Holes 702 on flanges 701 are spaced to align with holes 105 on handle100, and the cam hole on handle 100, so that the pin 200 can fit throughthose holes, allowing the handle 100 to be pivoted relative to socketelement 700. Socket element 700 may also include a flange 703 with oneor more holes 704, which are used to affix socket element 700 to one ofthe keyboard segments 202, 203 or 204—adjacent the segment 202, 203 or204 to which ball element 600 is affixed—via suitable attachmentmechanisms such as screws or bolts. The socket element 700 is preferablymade of a relatively inexpensive and rigid material, such as a glass ormineral filled acetyl copolymer, or alternatively could be fabricated ofmetal.

With continued reference to FIG. 24, a ball-and-socket type jointincludes ball 601 positioned to be retained between the bearing surface502 and the bearing surface inside the socket end 705, allowing the ball601 to rotate therebetween. Frictional surface features 605 defined onball 601 provide increased friction and/or shear resistance to movementof ball 601 relative to surfaces of socket 705, including bearingsurface 502. Frictional surface features, or simply “surface features”include at least one of a plurality of recesses and a plurality ofprojections that serve to provide frictional resistance or shearresistance to movement of the joint to thereby lock the keyboardsegments in a desired position. In some cases, surface features 605 neednot provide interlocking shear resistance but may mainly providefrictional resistance.

Surface features 605 can include a range of topologies, for example,projections, ridges, raised grids, recesses, valleys, dimples, orrecessed grids, selected to impinge upon, bind upon or otherwise engagebearing surface 502 or other socket surfaces or features. In some casessocket surfaces can include a resilient material compressible to atleast partially conform to surface features 605. In some cases, surfacefeatures 605 can be formed of a resilient material. While surfacefeatures 605 are depicted as covering a substantial portion of theexterior of ball 601, provision of surface features 605 on a morelocalized portion of ball 601 may be sufficient in some cases. Forexample, if complementary surface features are provided on a socketsurface, increased joint resistance may be provided with fewer orsmaller surface features 605 on ball 601. Conversely, surface features605 may be propagated so as to maximize friction in contact withmultiple socket surfaces, including stationary socket surfaces and/ormoveable bearing surfaces.

With reference to FIG. 25, surface features 505 are defined on bearingsurface 502′ to impinge up or engage the surface of ball 601′. Surfacefeatures 505 can include, for example, projections, ridges, raisedgrids, recesses, valleys, dimples, or recessed grids, selected toimpinge upon, bind upon or otherwise engage ball 601′. While surfacefeatures 505 are depicted on bearing surface 502′, surface features canbe formed on any number of socket surfaces or other surface bearing onball 601′.

With reference to FIG. 26, surface features 605′ are defined on ball 601and complementary surface features 505′ are define on bearing surface502″. In some cases, surface features 605′ include projections whilesurface features 505′ include complementary recesses. In some casessurface features 505′ include projections while surface features 605′include complementary recesses. In some cases, surface features 505′ and605′ include complementary repeating patterns providing a range ofnested surface feature positions. For example, in some cases, surfacefeatures 505′ and 605′ include dimpled and raised patterns providing oneor more cup and cone interface regions generating frictional and/orshear resistance to joint movement.

While surface features 505′ and 605′ are depicted as being substantiallysymmetrical and evenly distributed, some implementations are not solimited. Surface features 505′ and 605′ can be of any suitable size,shape, density, continuity, hardness, durometer, or the like, sufficientto provide resistance to movement of ball 601′ within socket element 700or against bearing surface 502″.

A releasable joint locking mechanism has been described as including alever, pivots and various moving parts for use in some implementations.In some implementations, however, surface features 505′ and/or 605′ canprovide sufficient resistance within a constant pressure joint orotherwise without the need for levers, pivots, or other moveable lockingmechanism parts. For example, ball 601 may be interferingly receivedinto a socket element 700 with surface features 505′ and/or 605′generating sufficient frictional and/or shear resistance to relativemovement therebetween to maintain the keyboard segments in a desiredposition under normal typing or other operational forces.

In some implementations, surface features 505′ and/or 605′ can provide amore affirmative shear resistance to movement, e.g., through engagementof a pin-like projection surface feature with a hole or other suitableshear surface features. Shear producing surface features may bereleasable and/or engageable under actuation of a biasing member orunder operation of a manual actuator. One example of a manual actuatoris a finger button or thumb button operable to at least partiallydisengage complementary surface features, for example, through at leastpartial separation of ball 601′ and socket element 700.

Surface features 505′ and 605′ can be arranged to provide a user anincremental adjustment feedback, e.g., a ratcheting feel or clickingsound. For example, complementary circumferential surface features,e.g., serrations, along opposing hemispherical or spherical surfaces ofball 601′ and socket elements 700 may intermittently engage and releaseas the keyboard segments are manually positioned.

Surface features 505′ and 605′ can be integrally molded with ball 601′and socket element 700 or bearing surface 502 respectively.Alternatively, surface features 505′ and 605′ may be formed onrespective surfaces through any suitable process. In a particularexample, bearing surface 502 and ball 601′ are provided with anelastomeric or rubberized layer bearing the respective surface features.

While the illustrated joint is a ball-and-socket type joint, surfaceprojections 505 and/or 605 may be used on any number of other types ofjoints suitable to provide the desired degree of freedom for tenting andsplaying of keyboard segments 202 and 203.

Operation and manipulation of the keyboard 1 of the present inventionwill now be described. When it is desired to set a new position of thekeyboard 1 segments 202 and 203 relative to one another, the handle 100is pivoted to its unlocked position 101. Pivoting of the handle 100 isaccomplished by rotating handle 100 about pin 200, thereby moving cam102 relative to camming surface 301. In the unlocked position low 101,the cam surface 103 is spaced a shorter distance d.sub.1, from the axisof pin 200 that the distance d.sub.2 of cam surface 103 from the axis ofpin 200 in the locked position. As a result, in the locked position, thecam 102 pushes the camming pin 300 in the direction of the ball element600, and in the unlocked position low 101 the cam 102 allows camming pin300 a degree of movement away from ball element 600, under the influenceof biasing element 400.

In the unlocked position 101′ the bias of biasing element 400 allowscamming pin 300 to move in the direction away from ball element 600.This movement also allows movement of the bearing element 500 away fromthe ball element 600. As a result, the ball 601 is unclamped between thebearing surface 502 and the bearing surface inside the socket end 705,allowing the ball 601 to rotate between those surfaces. Rotation of theball 601 is effected by pivoting movement, in one or more places, of thesegments 202, 203 relative to one another, one of the segments 202, 203being affixed to the retaining portion 603 projecting out of opening 706in socket element 700, and the other segment 202, 203 being affixed tosocket element 700.

When the segments are unlocked by moving handle 100 to unlock position101, the segments 202, 203 may be pivoted in a horizontal plane (i.e.,the plane of FIG. 1) relative to one another to reduce or eliminateulnar deviation in the user's hands and wrists. The segments 202, 203may also be pivoted in a vertical plane (i.e., the plane of FIG. 2)relative to one another to reduce or eliminate pronation in the user'swrists.

After a desired orientation of the segments 202, 203 relative to oneanother is achieved, the handle 100 is pivoted around pin 200 to itslocked position, thereby moving cam 109 relative to camming surface 301.In the locked position, the cam surface 103 is spaced a longer distanced.sub.2 from the axis of pin 200 than the distance d.sub.1 of camsurface 103 from the axis of pin 200 in the unlocked position. As aresult, in the locked position, the cam 102 pushes the camming pin 300in the direction of the ball element 600. In the locked position, thecamming pin 300 moves in the direction toward ball element 600. Thismovement pushes the biasing element 400, and thus the bearing element500, toward the ball element 600. As a result, the ball 601 is clampedbetween the bearing surface 502 and the bearing surface inside thesocket end 705, fixing the ball 601 against rotation between thosesurfaces as the result of frictional forces. The segments 202, 203 arethus fixed in position relative to one another, as a result of theclamping of ball 601 between the bearing surface 502 and the bearingsurface inside the socket end 705, as well as fixing of one of thesegments 202, 203 to the retaining portion 603 and the other segment202, 203 to socket element 700.

With reference to FIG. 27 one implementation of a joint 1010 suitablefor use in an adjustable ergonomic keyboard as describe above, includesa ball-type joint element (ball 1012) and a socket 1014 to receive theball therein in a range of relative orientations. Ball 1012 and 1014 areassociated with corresponding first and second keyboard sections suchthat positioning of ball 1012 relative to socket 1014 defines a degreeor splaying and/or tenting of the keyboard. For example, ball 1012 isattachable to a keyboard segment by armature 1013, which is shown asmovable in both and an up-down range and a forward-back range relativeto socket 1014. Socket 1014 can be associated with a respective keyboardsection by any number of suitable attachment means, e.g., by fastenersthrough a body portion of socket 1014 or by incorporation of socket 1014into the keyboard section. Similarly, actuator 1124 can be positionednear joint 1010 or remote therefrom on a keyboard section. It may bedesirable in some implementations,

With reference to FIG. 28, a cross-sectional view of the joint of FIG.27, ball 1012 is positionally fixed in one of a number of discretepositions via engagement of complementary locking features 1016 and 1018formed on respective surfaces of ball 1012 and socket 1014. Features1016 and 1018 can be any combinations of projections and recesses orother interlocking features. Locking engagement of features 1016 and1018 can be provided by a spring 1022 or other biasing mechanism urginga moveable member 1020 defining a portion of socket 1014 and bearingfeatures 1018. Moveable member 1020 can be rely solely on spring 1022for suitable resistance, or may further include an actuator 1024operable to selectively lock and release moveable member 1020 to allowfor adjustment of joint 1010 to a desired fixed keyboard position. Forexample, in some implementations actuator 1024 may counteract spring1012, while in other implementations, actuator 1024 may simple lockmoveable member 1020 against movement.

With reference to FIG. 29, in some implementations, a surface of ball1012 defines features 1016, e.g., a series of recesses for engagementwith complementary features of socket 1014. Ball 1012 is depicted withnine different settings, allowing for an incremental splaying and/ortenting of the keyboard segments. In some implementations, a larger areaof the surface of ball 1012 and/or socket 1014 may define additionalfixed positioning features. Alternatively, ball 1012 and socket 1014 maybe configured to provide a continuously variable range of positions,without regard to fixed interlocking of features, for example, with aset of features defined on the ball 1012 and an elastomeric surface onthe socket 1014 to engage those features 1016 of ball 1012. In someimplementations, an elastomeric engagement or spring-biased engagementof locking features may allow for forced adjustment of the keyboardwithout the need for an actuator. Stated otherwise, the joint 1010 mayprovide sufficient resistance to withstand typing forces in a desiredposition while allowing for forced repositioning when desired withoutthe need for locking release otherwise.

While the forgoing represents a description of various embodiments orimplementations of the invention, it is to be understood that the claimsbelow recite the features of the present invention, and that otherembodiments, not specifically described hereinabove, fall within thescope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A keyboard comprising: first and second keyboardsegments each including on an upper surface thereof respective subsetsof keys that together define an alphanumeric keyboard; and a jointcoupling the keyboard segments, the joint configured to facilitaterelative motion of the keyboard segments; a locking mechanism configuredto facilitate tenting and splaying of the keyboards segments relative toone another in response to a first force exerted on one of the first andsecond keyboard segments above a threshold force, and to resist relativemovement of the two keyboard segments in response to a second forceexerted on one of the first and second keyboard segments below thethreshold force.
 2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the joint comprisesa ball and socket.
 3. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein the ball andsocket are configured to resist movement of the two keyboard segments inresponse to the application of a frictional force exerted by the lockingmechanism on contacting surfaces of the ball and the socket.
 4. Thekeyboard of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism is further configuredto create pressure at an interface between the ball and the socket,thereby maintaining the relative position of the keyboard segments. 5.The keyboard of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism is coupled to oneof the ball and the socket, the locking mechanism configured to apply africtional force that selectively maintains a fixed interface betweenthe ball and the socket, thereby selectively maintaining a spatialrelationship between the first and second keyboard segments, and whereinthe first force exerted on one of the first and second keyboard segmentsabove the threshold force reduces or eliminates the frictional forceacting on the interface between the ball and the socket, therebyfacilitating relative movement of the keyboard segments.
 6. The keyboardof claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is further configured topermit manipulation of the joint and the keyboard segments in responseto the first force that overcomes the pressure created by the lockingmechanism on the interface between the ball and the socket.
 7. Thekeyboard of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism does not include alever.
 8. A keyboard comprising: first and second keyboard segments,each segment including keys; a ball-and-socket joint pivotably couplingthe first and second keyboard segments, a ball of the joint attached tothe first keyboard segment and a socket of the joint attached to thesecond keyboard segment and retaining the ball therein; and a ballsurface of the ball and a socket surface of the socket frictionallyengageable with one another and configured to restrict pivoting of thefirst and second keyboard segments relative to one another whenfrictionally engaged.
 9. The keyboard of claim 8, wherein theball-and-socket joint is configured to operate in a locked configurationwith the ball frictionally engaged with the socket, and in an adjustmentconfiguration with the ball and the socket at least partiallyfrictionally disengaged.
 10. The keyboard of claim 8, further includinga locking mechanism configured to apply pressure at an interface betweenthe ball and the socket thereby maintaining frictional engagement of theball-and-socket joint and a relative spatial positioning of the keyboardsegments.
 11. The keyboard of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism isfurther configured to permit manipulation of the keyboard segmentsrelative to the ball-and-socket joint in response to a force thatovercomes the applied pressure upon the interface between the ball andthe socket by the locking mechanism.
 12. The keyboard of claim 10,wherein the locking mechanism does not include a lever.
 13. A method ofadjusting a keyboard having first and second segments pivotably coupledby a ball-and-socket joint, and a locking mechanism that produces anengagement force between a surface of the ball and a surface of thesocket to restrict relative movement of the first and second keyboardssegments, the method comprising: applying a force to overcome theengagement force between the ball and the socket to free movement of thefirst and second keyboard segments; positioning the first and secondkeyboards segments in one of a tented and splayed position, and removingthe force to re-engage the socket and ball surfaces, thereby restrictingrelative movement of the first and second keyboard segments in one ofthe tented and splayed position during typing.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein positioning the first and second segments further includesat least partially separating the surfaces of the ball and the socketfrom one another.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein applying a forceto overcome the engagement force between the ball and the socket furtherincludes overcoming a static friction generated by the contactingsurfaces of the ball and the socket.